HORTICULTURE HORT Tish Young, Dean Biological and Health Sciences Division Physical Sciences Building, Room 263 Possible career opportunities The horticulture program prepares students for numerous state licenses and industry certificates. State licenses include landscape contractor and pest control operator. Industry certifications include: nursery person, arborist, landscape technician, maintenance technician, and irrigation designer. Career choices in horticulture include: nursery technician, propagator, plant breeder, nursery manager, greenhouse grower, greenhouse manager, garden center manager, arborist/tree worker, landscape architect, landscape designer, grounds manager/municipal, landscape contractor, landscape maintenance contractor, golf course manager, and pest controller/advisor. Some career options may require more than two year of college work. Program learning outcomes Program learning outcomes have been developed for each of the three options for General Education and all college degree and certificate programs. A complete list of current program learning outcomes for each program is also available on the DVC website at www.dvc.edu/slo. Certificates of achievement Arboriculture Horticulture foundations Landscape construction and management Landscape architecture and design Retail nursery Certificate of achievement - Arboriculture This program prepares students for employment as arborists (also called tree trimmers or pruners), fallers, and grounds maintenance workers in a variety of settings including public and private gardens, parks, golf courses, institutions, municipalities, utilities, government agencies, and commercial tree care services. The program is designed to meet ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certification requirements. It includes classroom, laboratory, and cooperative work experience/internship. evening and on weekends. COOP-180 Internship Occupational Work HORT-110* Introduction to Horticulture... 4 HORT-120* Soil Science and Management... 3 HORT-120L Soil Science and Management Laboratory... 1 HORT-134* Landscape Irrigation... 3 HORT-137L* Pruning Laboratory... 1 HORT-141L Tree Identification Laboratory... 1 HORT-143** Shrub Identification... 3 HORT-179 Arboriculture... 3 HORT-179L Arboriculture Laboratory... 1 HORT-187 Sustainable Water Practices... 2.5 total minimum required 26.5 * requirement - Horticulture foundations certificate Certificate of achievement - Horticulture foundations This foundational program introduces students to the broad field of horticulture, which encompasses the functional, aesthetic, and environmentally sound creation and care of our landscapes. Green industry professionals work with urban and natural spaces on a daily basis, improving our quality of life and ensuring the sustainability of our environment. The courses have been designed both for full-time students planning to enter the horticulture field and for those people working in one of the many interesting areas of horticulture who wish to expand their horticultural knowledge. The courses of the horticulture foundations certificate are incorporated into other horticulture certificates, and form the introduction to those programs. Most classes are conducted during convenient evening hours to allow working students to study for a new career and those with jobs in the field of ornamental horticulture to upgrade their skills. To earn a certificate of achievement, students must complete each course used to meet a certificate requirement with a C grade or higher. Required courses are available in the evening and on weekends. HORT-110 Introduction to Horticulture... 4 HORT-120 Soil Science and Management... 3 HORT-134 Landscape Irrigation... 3 HORT-137L Pruning Laboratory... 1 plus at least 3 from: HORT-141 Tree Identification... 3 HORT-143 Shrub Identification... 3 plus at least 1 unit from: HORT-125 Plants and Diseases... 3 HORT-132 Pest Management... 1 total minimum required 15 PROGRAM AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Certificate of achievement - Landscape construction and management People working in the landscape field derive job satisfaction from enhancing the function and beauty of the environment while being physically active outdoors or helping support that activity in allied sales and service occupations. Landscape work involves construction and planting projects, irrigation system design and water management, and specialty fields such as turf management and tree care. This program provides an introductory base of plant knowledge and landscape skills, allowing students the option of entering a variety of jobs with the preparation for rapid advancement within their chosen occupations. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and most courses incorporate laboratory activities that apply knowledge and skills in realistic settings. The program is actively supported by the local horticulture industry. This program prepares students to enter the landscape construction and management industry. Students are prepared to take the California C-27 Landscape Contracting examination. Elements of the program will also assist students to prepare for the California Landscape Contractors Association s CLT examination and / or the California Association of Nurseryperson s certification examination. evening and on weekends. COOP-180 Internship in Occupational Work HORT-110* Introduction to Horticulture... 4 HORT-120* Soil Science and Management... 3 HORT-120L Soil Science and Management Laboratory... 1 HORT-132 Pest Management... 1 HORT-133 Landscape Construction... 3 HORT-134* Landscape Irrigation... 3 HORT-135 Landscape Estimating and Contract Documents... 3 HORT-137L* Pruning Laboratory... 1 plus at least 3 from: HORT-143** Shrub Identification... 3 plus at least 1.5 from: HORT-130 Turf Grass Management...1.5 HORT-146 Ornamental Grasses...1.5 total minimum required 24.5 * requirement - Horticulture foundations certificate Certificate of achievement - Landscape architecture and design This program prepares students for entry-level positions in landscape architecture and design. The program focuses primarily on design for residential landscape situations and small commercial sites. Projects may range from the design of small focal planting beds and perennial borders to complete garden layouts. Garden designers provide the planting design in addition to developing the landscape spatial composition. The advent of computer-assisted design (CAD) technology in the landscape industry adds a new dimension to skill and training requirements for landscape and garden designers. Contra Costa County s landscape industry is expanding, and demand for employees with landscape design skills including CAD contributes to the need for students to augment their design and drafting expertise with CAD skills. Elements of the program will assist students to prepare for the California Association of Nurseryperson s certification examination. Students will develop portfolios that may be necessary for entrance into landscape design baccalaureate degree programs at University of California, Davis, California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, and Pomona. evening and on weekends. ARCHI-135 Digital Tools for Design... 3 COOP-180 Internship in Occupational Work HORT-180 Introduction to Landscape Architecture... 3 HORT-181 Landscape Design I: Graphics... 3 HORT-182 Landscape Design II... 3 HORT-184 Planting Design... 3 plus at least 6 from: HORT-145 Groundcovers and Vines Identification... 3 HORT-147 Annuals and Perennials Identification... 3 HORT-148L California Native Plants Laboratory... 1 HORT-165 New Plant Introductions... 3 total minimum required 22 Certificate of achievement - Retail nursery This program prepares students for employment in garden centers, landscape companies, greenhouses, florists, and retail nurseries. It will assist students preparing for the California Association of Nurseryperson s exam. The program design includes classroom, laboratory, and cooperative work experience/internship. evening, and on weekends. PROGRAM AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COOP-180 Internship in Occupational Work HORT-110* Introduction to Horticulture... 4 HORT-120* Soil Science and Management... 3 HORT-132 Pest Management... 1 HORT-134* Landscape Irrigation... 3 HORT-137L* Pruning Laboratory... 1 HORT-145 Groundcovers and Vines Identification... 3 HORT-147 Annuals and Perennials Identification... 3 HORT-163 Nursery and Greenhouse Practices... 3 HORT-183 Residential Garden Design... 1 HORT-187 Sustainable Water Practices... 2.5 plus at least 1 unit from: HORT-166 Fall Plant Production...1 HORT-167 Spring Plant Production...1 total minimum required 32.5 * requirement - Horticulture foundations certificate HORT-110 Introduction to Horticulture 4 SC 54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory per term This course will explore the biology and economics of growing and caring for plants, emphasizing basic horticulture practices and the biological and environmental principles on which they are based. The students are exposed to practical applications of horticulture science: propagation, plant identification, pest/disease identification and control options, environmentally safe use of pesticides, and factors that influence plant growth. There will also be an overview of the different aspects of the horticulture industry. CSU, UC HORT-120 Soil Science and Management Prerequisite: HORT-110 or equivalent This course is a study of soil science and management of soils. Soil biology, physics and chemistry are integrated with geological concepts. Topics include soil classification, derivation, use, function and management including erosion, moisture retention, structure, cultivation, organic matter and microbiology. CSU, UC HORT-120L Soil Science and Management Laboratory Prerequisite: HORT-120 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently) This is a laboratory course that supplements HORT-120, Soil Science and Management. Field trips, demonstrations and experiments will deepen the methodological knowledge of students in this field. CSU HORT-125 Plant Pests and Diseases Note: This course meets the California State Pest Control Advisor, California Association of Nurserymen, and International Society of Arboriculture Continuing Education Units (CEU) license certification for CEUs necessary for pest control operators and advisors This course will introduce students to insect and disease pests associated with plants. Key concepts in applied ecology of pest and beneficial species, disease identification, and control methodologies using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Plant Health Care models are emphasized. CSU HORT-130 Turf Grass Management 1.5 SC This course will introduce the study of turf grass management including identification, production, installation, and maintenance. Regional irrigation methodology, fertilization regimes, pests and diseases of turf, and new cultivars are emphasized. CSU HORT-132 Pest Management 9 hours lecture/27 hours laboratory per term Course offers students an opportunity to examine and try different methods and tools for managing pests in the urban environment with special emphasis on preparation and continuing education for the California Pest Control Operator s License (PCO) and Pest Control Advisors License (POA). CSU HORT-133 Landscape Construction Landscape Construction is intended to prepare the student with the skills and tools required to implement typical landscape hardscape features used in the landscape industry. The class will emphasize the practical application of these skills and tools. This course helps prepare for the C-27 landscape contracting license. CSU HORT-134 Landscape Irrigation Course is designed for landscape professionals to successfully plan, assemble components and install a landscape irrigation system to provide adequate irrigation of a landscape site. The course helps prepare for the C-27 landscape contracting license. CSU PROGRAM AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
HORT-135 Landscape Estimating and Contract Documents Recommended: HORT-133 or equivalent This course is an introduction to professional landscape estimating, bidding and contract document preparation based on landscape plans. CSU HORT-137L Pruning Laboratory This course will familiarize students with basic pruning techniques necessary for landscape management and maintenance. This course is part of the basic training in the Horticulture program. CSU HORT-141 Tree Identification Note: This course meets the plant certification for California Association for Nurserymen; California Landscape Contractor s Licensing and satisfies International Society of Arboriculture Continuing Education This course presents classification and naming conventions, habits of growth, liabilities, and geographical origin of landscape trees. Topics include tree structural evaluation, landscape use, and structural analysis of species from nursery stock to mature specimens. CSU HORT-141L Tree Identification Laboratory Recommended: HORT-110 and HORT-141 Note: This course satisfies continuing education unit requirements for the International Society of Arboriculture Professional upgrades Students in this class will practice field identification of landscape trees, including the cultural requirements, landscape design criteria and functional values. Field outings to local gardens and arboreta are included. Tree planting site analysis requirements will be linked to standard arboricultural rating systems. CSU HORT-143 Shrub Identification Note: This course meets the plant certification for California Association of Nurserymen, California Landscape Contractor s Licensing and satisfies International Society of Arboriculture Continuing Education. Students will learn the taxonomy, identification, growth habits, landscape values and nativities of shrubs used in the urban landscape. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary and historical landscape design with a focus on regional appropriateness. CSU HORT-143L Shrub Identification Laboratory Note: This course satisfies California Association of Nurserymen s continuing education requirements for members In this course students will practice the skills necessary to identify common and uncommon shrubs in the field. Cultural care requirements, landscape design criteria, and functional values will also be covered. Students will participate in field outings to local gardens, arboreta and parks. CSU HORT-145 Groundcovers and Vines Identification Note: This course meets the plant certification requirements for California Association of Nurserymen and current guidelines for State of California Landscape Contractors Association This course presents taxonomy, identification, growth habits, cultural requirements and geographical origin of regionally appropriate native and exotic ground covers and vines. CSU HORT-146 Ornamental Grass Identification 1.5 SC 27 hours lecture per term Note: Field trips will be required for this course This course will acquaint students with ornamental grasses and grass-like plants available for use in developing landscapes. Discussion will include native and non-native species suitable for a wide variety of environments. CSU PROGRAM AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
HORT-147 Annuals and Perennials Identification Note: This course meets the plant certification requirements for California Association of Nurserymen and current guidelines for the state of California licensing for landscape contractors This class covers the taxonomic identity, growth habits, liabilities, cultural preferences and geographical origin of annuals and perennials used in Bay Area urban landscapes. CSU HORT-147L Annuals and Perennials Identification Laboratory Recommended: HORT-110 and HORT 147 Annual and perennial plants used in Bay Area landscapes will be identified. The cultural requirements, landscape design criteria, and functional values of those plants will be explored in depth. This class includes field outings to local gardens and arboreta. CSU HORT-148L California Native Plants Laboratory This course presents a study of California plant communities and the environments that shape them. The dominant and typical plant constituents of each vegetation unit, focusing on native species currently used in the nursery industry will be covered. Habitat, soil, and climatic factors will be discussed as related to the plant species established in their natural and horticultural environment, exploring possibilities of integration into residential landscapes. Multiple day field trips to select California vegetation environments are taken to record relevant plant and habitat data. Destinations will vary based on season and term. CSU HORT-150 Topics in Horticulture.3-4 SC Variable hours A supplemental course in horticulture to provide a study of current concepts and problems in horticulture and related subdivisions. Specific topics will be announced in the schedule of classes. CSU HORT-160 Plant Propagation 1.5 SC This course will introduce students to the principles and practices of plant propagation from seed and vegetative material to marketable nursery stock. The key concepts of physiological processes, environmental requirements and techniques required for successful plant production will be covered. CSU HORT-163 Nursery and Greenhouse Practices This course is designed to introduce the student to the nursery industry and explore the science of greenhouse management. Topics include greenhouse design and structure, manufacturing and operation, and business structure and management of a nursery. CSU HORT-165 New Plant Introductions In this course students learn the application of newly released plants in the nursery industry. Students are instructed in the selecting, testing and marketing processes of new plant introductions. Topics covered include the taxonomic identity, growth habits, climactic requirements, liabilities, and geographical origins of new plants. CSU HORT-166 Fall Plant Production Recommended: HORT-160 and eligibility for ENGL-122 This laboratory course will provide instruction on the principles and practices of fall plant production. Students will participate in greenhouse management, scheduling of plant production, seed-starting, vegetative propagation and the marketing of fall and winter grown containerized nursery stock. CSU HORT-167 Spring Plant Production Recommended: HORT-160 and eligibility for ENGL-122 This laboratory course will provide instruction on the principles and practices of spring container production. Greenhouse management, the scheduling of spring and summer plant production, seed starting and vegetative propagation, and the marketing of spring and summer grown containerized nursery stock will be examined. CSU HORT-179 Arboriculture Recommended: HORT-110 and HORT-141 and eligibility for ENGL-122 Note: This course satisfies the continuing education requirement for the International Society of Arboriculture and the California Association of Nurserymen Introduction to arboriculture, applied tree biology and forest ecology. How to care for and maintain trees in urban, rural and wildland settings. This course is a survey of current knowledge of trees as applied to tree care, landscape maintenance and landscape design fields. CSU PROGRAM AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
HORT-179L Arboriculture Laboratory Recommended: HORT-141, HORT-179 (should be taken concurrently) and eligibility for ENGL-122 Designed for new horticulture students and professionals alike, this course introduces the concepts and features required to prune woody species for aesthetics and health. Topics include but are not limited to: tree anatomy and structure, positioning and timing of limb removal, crown reduction and rejuvenation techniques, as well as fruit stimulation of orchard species. This course will prepare careeroriented students for employment and eventual testing for the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, or Certified Tree Worker Program(s); HORT-179L will follow study guides prepared by the ISA, and include exposure to climbing techniques, knots safety, chainsaw operation, and equipment maintenance. CSU HORT-180 Introduction to Landscape Architecture Recommended: HORT-110 and ENGL-122 This course is an introduction to the basic principles and concepts in the field of landscape architecture and landscape design. It will explore the history of human impact on natural environments and methods to mitigate those impacts. Design standards and practices governing landscape architecture and design like site analysis, planning and construction design will be covered. CSU, UC HORT-181 Landscape Design I: Graphics This is the first out of two courses in landscape design techniques and concepts. It will cover the basics of the landscape design process; site analysis, methods of graphic representation of vegetation, topography, and other landscape elements. Students will explore different landscape design documents. CSU, UC HORT-182 Landscape Design II Recommended: HORT-181, ARCHI-130, and eligibility for ENGL-122 or equivalent This is the second of two courses in landscape design techniques and concepts. It will continue to cover and broaden the landscape design process including analysis, evaluation and application of various landscape principles based upon historical and ecological values. CSU, UC HORT-183 Residential Garden Design 18 hours lecture per term This course is intended for students in the nursery industry and landscape construction as well as interested laypersons. Principles and techniques will be addressed as they apply to established residential landscapes. Students will be required to develop a conceptual plan for a residential garden. CSU HORT-184 Planting Design 2.5 SC 36 hours lecture/18 hours laboratory per term Recommended: HORT-181 and HORT-182 This course will acquaint the student with the principles of design as they specifically apply to landscape plant material. Design principles will address various plant and hardscape palettes to develop an aesthetically pleasing, water-wise and environmentally sensitive landscape planting design. CSU HORT-185 Site Analysis 1.5 SC Recommended: HORT-182 or equivalent This course is an introduction to the field of landscape design and the profession of landscape architecture. Landscape fundamentals are introduced, with an emphasis on the understanding of space and form in the landscape, and how a sustainable landscape design can convey meaning while fulfilling functional requirements. CSU HORT-186 Grading and Drainage 1.5 SC Recommended: HORT-182 or equivalent In this course students will evaluate a landscape site and create and modify topography plans for proper grading and drainage of the site. CSU HORT-187 Sustainable Water Practices 2.5 SC 36 hours lecture/18 hours laboratory per term This course in landscape irrigation and sustainable water practices is designed for landscape professionals. It includes an overview of state and local water delivery systems and important water use and supply issues in California. It examines relationships among plants, soils, and water. Water audits, proper irrigation design and monitoring techniques that aid in the efficient use of local water resources will be addressed. CSU PROGRAM AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
HORT-298 Independent Study.5- Variable hours Note: Submission of acceptable educational contract to department and Instruction Office is required. This course is designed for advanced students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in a specific discipline/subject area and is not intended to replace an existing course. The student and instructor develop a written contract that includes objectives to be achieved, activities and procedures to accomplish the study project, and the means by which the supervising instructor may assess accomplishment. CSU HORT-299 Student Instructional Assistant.5- Variable hours Note: Applications must be approved through the Instruction Office. Students must be supervised by a DVC instructor. Students work as instructional assistants, lab assistants and research assistants in this department. The instructional assistants function as group discussion leaders, meet and assist students with problems and projects, or help instructors by setting up laboratory or demonstration apparatus. Students may not assist in course sections in which they are currently enrolled. CSU PROGRAM AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS